Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights are flaky puff pastry pastries filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and fresh, sweetened strawberries. These easy-to-make treats combine the buttery crispiness of puff pastry with a luscious strawberry and cream cheese filling, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Filling
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Puff Pastry and Topping
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Clean and slice the strawberries. In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to macerate and thicken.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). On a lightly floured surface, cut each puff pastry sheet into squares or rectangles as desired. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on each pastry piece, leaving edges free for sealing. Layer the macerated strawberries evenly over the cream cheese. Fold edges slightly and brush the exposed pastry with the beaten egg wash to help with browning.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked and slightly cooled, top the pastries with warmed strawberry jam for added shine and flavor, or drizzle with a vanilla glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- If strawberry jam isn’t available, honey or maple syrup make good alternative toppings.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For extra crispness, freeze puff pastry sheets before cutting and assembling.
- Glaze consistency can be adjusted by varying the amount of milk.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
